John McKeachie, a longtime voice around the Vancouver Canucks, is being remembered as Manny Malhotra now leads a franchise McKeachie covered for decades.
The veteran broadcaster passed away after spending more than 25 years covering Vancouver sports, including a long run bringing Canucks hockey into homes across British Columbia.
For generations of fans, McKeachie was closely tied to the sound of the team. His work with CKNW and BCTV put him alongside respected broadcasters Jim Robson and Tom Larscheid.
McKeachie covered the Canucks through several memorable stretches in franchise history, becoming a familiar presence for viewers and listeners following the club night after night.
His route into broadcasting was anything but conventional. McKeachie grew up in Victoria and played baseball and basketball before an injury changed the direction of his career.
A broken jaw suffered while playing basketball at the University of Victoria eventually led him toward a summer radio opportunity. That opening became the start of a lengthy broadcasting career.
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John McKeachie's impact went far beyond the Canucks
Hockey became a major part of McKeachie's professional life, but his work stretched across the Vancouver sports scene. He also covered the Olympics, BC Lions and Vancouver Grizzlies.
That versatility helped make him one of the most recognizable sports media figures in British Columbia during an era when local broadcasters became deeply connected to the teams they covered.
McKeachie's work earned major recognition as well. He was named BC Sportscaster of the Year 3 times, reflecting the respect he built across the industry.
His impact also continued away from the broadcast booth. Even after retirement, McKeachie remained involved in charitable events around the province and maintained strong ties to the community.
Tributes from former colleagues and fans quickly followed news of his passing, with many remembering both his professionalism and the warmth he brought to his work.
For longtime Canucks supporters, those memories carry extra weight. McKeachie's voice was connected to countless nights of Vancouver hockey and to an era of sports broadcasting that shaped how fans experienced their teams.
The Canucks have changed dramatically over the years, from players to coaches to the voices calling the action. McKeachie's place in Vancouver sports history remains firmly established.
Should John McKeachie be formally honoured by the Canucks?
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